How to take care of cricket bat
Cricket, a prominent sport across several countries, is admired by millions of fans worldwide. The game not only requires skill and strategy but also relies heavily on the equipment, particularly the cricket bat. A good quality cricket bat can be quite expensive so it is important to properly take care of it. This article will delve into the best practices for maintaining your cherished piece of sporting equipment – your cricket bat.
Understanding Your Cricket Bat
Before we get into how to take care of your cricket bat, it’s essential to understand what they are made up of. Cricket bats are traditionally constructed from willow wood, specifically Salix Alba (White Willow), which has naturally shock-resistant properties ideal for hitting a hard cricket ball. Their strength and vulnerability depend on this natural material, thus demanding specific modes of care.
Selecting the Right Cricket Bat
The first step towards taking care of a cricket bat begins with its selection. Choosing the right kind ensures longer life and better performance. To do so, examine the grains on the bat’s face; higher quality bats typically have between 6-12 straight grains. Furthermore, an evenly balanced bat that feels comfortable while playing should be preferred over heavier ones as these can cause damage more quickly when mishandled.
The Importance of Preparing Your Cricket Bat: Knocking-in
A new cricket bat isn’t ready for match-play immediately after purchase; it demands a significant amount of preparation known as ‘knocking-in’. This process involves striking the surface repeatedly with a wooden mallet to help toughen the fibers in the blade for optimum performance and longevity.
Manual Knocking-In
Start with gentle blows around edges and toe before gradually increasing force on the entire flat facing side of the blade. Remember never knock directly onto edges or back side. It usually takes about four hours if done manually, however, it depends on the bat’s hardwood and softwood components.
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Machine Knocking-In
Several outlets offer machine knocking-in services. These machines do the same job but faster. Yet, some manual work might still be needed to finish the process, especially focusing on edges that may not be fully reached by machines.
Oiling Your Cricket Bat
Cricket bats need regular oiling with raw linseed oil for keeping them moisturized as well as preserving their elasticity and ‘spring’. This helps prevent cracking or splitting under continuous impact during matches.
The Oiling Process
Start this process only after you’re done knocking in your bat. Apply a light coat of oil on the face, edges, backside and especially toe area using your fingers or a small sponge. A couple teaspoons of oil are enough per application. Leave it horizontally overnight so that oil can seep into willow fiber. Afterward, wipe off any excess residue and repeat the process every few weeks based on how frequently you play.
Storing Your Cricket Bat Properly
Where and how you store your cricket bat also plays a major role in its care and maintenance routine. It should always be stored in a cool, dry place away from radiators or humid conditions to avoid moisture damage or warping due to excessive heat.
Off-Season Storage
In off-seasons when use is infrequent, it’s crucial to give them an end-of-season clean-up involving thorough checking for damage or need for repairs, complete knock-in reprocess if necessary followed by light oiling before finally stowing them away securely.
By adhering to these measures, one ensures prolonged life expectancy for their cherished cricket bat while maintaining performance quality simultaneously.
